The 2019 Pavati Guardian driftboat is a real stunner! From an aesthetics standpoint, you’d be hard pressed to find a prettier ride.
I’ve been rowing this boat (my fourth straight Pavati) for a couple months now and I’ve heard it from just about every person I’ve taken for a ride:
“Wow this is the nicest driftboat I’ve ever been in!”
But she’s not just all about looking good. The comfort , innovation and functionality of this boat are superb! The guardian is extremely stable and …um…“un-tippy” to use a made-up word.
The flat, level floors are really nice and then you have all the creature comforts new and old that Pavati has become synonymous with.
Of course, you can’t talk Pavati without mentioning their legendary doors. This boat is a 2-door model and you may think it a bit gimmicky but I can tell you these things are money! It’s so much easier getting big heavy guys, little old ladies, folks with a bum knee or ones wearing waders in and out of the boat!
Another nice touch on the 2019 model are the upgraded rower’s and passenger seats that feature flow-through backs…
The seats come with a clever built in cover system, which proves really handy on those damp mornings…no more “swamp butt!”
The covers are attached to a tether and fit smartly into a little mesh pocket at the back of each seat. Dang, such a smart idea…
Of course, you also have neat stuff like the in-floor fish box, which is really handy on cold days when you don’t need to carry a fish bag or cooler…
Interior lights are useful, though you do have to add battery weight…
The innovative anchor nest has been a staple in Pavati’s and is yet another one of those super handy systems that features a couple of holders for your drain plugs and a spring loaded lock to keep your anchor from bouncing out…
The bow storage compartment is a great place for dry storage and doubles as a pizza oven when you add the forced air heating system…
One of my favorite features on this boat (and the past couple) are the magnetic tool holders which are perfect for me and my bad habit of putting things down randomly. With the magnets, I can actually find my tools…
Both side trays have a 55-inch “The Truth” ruler for easy fish measurement and also notice the tackle tower near the oarsman’s seat and the super customizable oar position holes…
The UHMW bottom coating is a lifesaver when you are running areas with lots of big rocks, as this cutting board style material is very slippery and durable…
Where there used to be carpet in previous models, Pavati is now using Gatorstep foam material that is very quiet, easily cleaned (I used dish soap to remove egg cure stains) and non-absorbent…
Of course, you also have Pavati’s easily removed floors and modular locking system that allows you to move the seats, tower and rowing seat anywhere you want…
On a related note, the aluminum trailer that came with the boat is really nice and has a sweet catwalk to help you avoid those tip-toe balancing acts that often end in wet feet…
So how does the boat fish & row? That’s the real question, right? I found pulling plugs, side-drifting and running skinny riffles and tight rapids to be no problem at all. Rowing back up on a spot isn’t an issue either.
All in all, this is one hell of a fishing vessel that performs every bit as good as it looks.
For more info, Click Pavati
